Now that we are firmly into October, my brain has started questioning me and my abilities. As runners know, so much of the sport is mental, and I am starting to fight that battle. I confess that the week started off hard, with bad weather and all my doubts, but I am pleased to say that I was able to talk it out and finish up somewhat strong. Plus, I got some really great news that buoyed me along.
Here’s how the last seven days broke down.
Sunday – 8 miles
I was nervous about this run. I don’t know why. When I get into longer runs, eight always seems like a safe and manageable number for me, so it was weird that I was stressed. I “slept in” until 5:15, just because I was tired, but the temperature was already at 80 degrees and almost 100% humidity, so it really wouldn’t have mattered if I had gone out earlier.
It was hard. The air was so heavy, I could barely breathe. And after the five mile mark, I found myself stopping periodically to wring out my shorts. It was disgusting. In my last mile, I worked out visualizing the finish line at Space Coast, and I practically started crying. I was that frustrated and disappointed in myself. I started second-guessing my overall goal and I was just in a bad mood, despite the sunrise.
Afterwards, I was supposed to meet my parents and little man at the zoo, but as I was driving there, the clouds were getting darker and darker and the rain started to fall. Instead, we decided to just go back to the house, watch a movie and grab lunch.
It ended up being a pretty quiet day. Which was probably just what everyone needed.
Monday – rest
I had to use this day to catch up on a lot of things around the house: laundry, grocery shopping, all the essentials. We were all incredibly worn down and tired, and Mr PugRunner even suggested that we just do cereal for dinner to make things as easy as possible. I wasn’t about to disagree with him, and little man was ecstatic.
Tuesday – 3 miles
The forecast was calling for rain, rain and more rain, so we cancelled our group run and I did my speed work at home. I was miserable the whole time, but it went really well.
For the most part, I felt strong during the 1/4 mile intervals, and was able to keep my pace pretty consistent.
Wednesday – body circuit, 1 hour
After little man went off to school, I got to catch up with an old friend at breakfast. It was long overdue and much needed.
J and S had sent over the workout so I could get it done on my day off. I realize I don’t love working out on my own at home, but it had to get done. My hips were feeling a little stiff, so I made sure to stretch afterwards to give them some relief.
Mr PugRunner took little man to karate and dinner, and I just took some time to decompress. And to start getting ready for an early morning.
Thursday – 5 miles
Oh, Thursday. I got up at 4:00. I had to squeeze in two “easy” miles on my own,
before driving over to my group run and getting in another three.
I set up the crock pot because I was scheduled for a full day of work, and when I got home from that, I stayed up until about 10:30, working with Mr PugRunner on some strategies and plans for his business. I am pretty sure I was asleep before my head hit the pillow.
Friday – body circuit, 1 hour
Since the weather was sketchy (again), I drove to body circuit rather than cycling. It was a pretty good class, and I was glad to be back in a group again. J and S took some time to talk me down and reassure me that my goals were attainable and that I was on track to reach them, which was really helpful. I appreciated them taking the time to calm me, when I was being so unreasonable.
The dreariness continued throughout the day, and I got a pretty nasty headache. I went to lunch with little man and then in the evening, we headed back to his school for the annual mother-son cornhole tournament. We usually only play one game, because little man wants to run around with his friends and play in the bounce houses that are set up, and I was fine with that. We had a great time, but I would have been happy in PJs, watching movies on the couch.
Saturday – Pink Up The Pace 5K
Race morning! I got quite a nice surprise when I went outside to see that temps had dropped into the 60s! Maybe fall was finally here?
I will recap this race in full in a separate post: I loved it and would do it again in a heartbeat. It wasn’t the race I wanted to have and I didn’t quite hit the goal I set for myself, but according to J and S, I was right where I needed to be, so I am ok with that.
I would have liked to have hung out with friends afterwards, but I had to go! We had a family picture session, and had to make a very special shopping trip.
Little man has been saving up for a Wii U since some time in April. He has done chores and earned his allowance, and saved up gift money he has received. Finally, he earned enough to make the big purchase.
He still has a little more to save so he can get Lego Dimensions or Disney Infinity, but so far, he is enjoying the heck out of his new system. We are so proud of him.
Now back to that great news: I got an incredibly exciting email, letting me know that I have been accepted as an Ambassador for the 2016 Publix Savannah Women’s Half Marathon!
I am ecstatic! In its second year, the Publix Savannah Women’s Half proved itself a stellar event with a beautiful course and all the details that make for a perfect weekend away with great running girlfriends. I cannot wait to run through the squares and past the historic landmarks on April 2 in Savannah, and I hope I will see some of you there! Be sure to enter the following code when you register for some great savings on the half!
How was your week in training?
What’s some great news you got this week?
Congrats on your ambassadorship! When is that race? I’ve never been to Savannah–I bet it will be a great race!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…After the marathon…..
It’s April 2! Savannah is gorgeous! I have been several times, and each time I have fallen in love all over again.
My kids love the WiiU. Good for him for saving up for it!
Congrats on the ambassadorship. I wish Savannah was just a little bit closer – I’d love to do that race.
MCM Mama Runs recently posted…TOTR: Running a Spartan Beast
He loves it, too! He worked really hard for it. I’m ok about getting him random things, just because, but I don’t love gaming at all, and since we already had an old Wii, this one was on him. And I think he will appreciate it that much more, knowing how hard he had to work.
Congrats on being an ambassador for the Savannah race! I didnt even realize they had started that process again. Oops, maybe next time!
Oh, man! Then again, you’ve been pretty busy, girl!
Congrats on your ambassadorship! I’ve heard Savannah is gorgeous!
Briana recently posted…Rock n Roll San Jose Half Marathon Recap
It is, indeed! One of my favorite cities!
congratulations on the ambassadorship! I’ve run in Georgia before but need to actually do a race there. My uncle and cousins used to live in Savannah, It’s gorgeous!
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Ragnar DC Recap – Day 1
I would love to live there! Whenever we go, I never want to leave!
Great great news on becoming an ambassador! I need to run / post more regularly — I think I can be quite the asset for a race director, but, well, that only works if/when I’m running and posting about it.
I’ve hit a bit of a rut, lately . . . I’m still doing all of the strength training, but running has really taken to the back seat — as it stands, I’ve only been running on Monday afternoons (between work & symphony rehearsal), though I’m confident that I’m keeping myself in good-enough shape to not embarrass myself at my next half marathon.
Though, well, I’m now 1 month away from my next full marathon (though I haven’t, technically, signed up for it, just yet).
John (Daddy Runs a Lot) recently posted…Where nostalgia leads to ice cream and apples and childhood memories
Oh my gosh! One month! You need to register!
Sometimes, things fall by the wayside, and that’s ok. There is a season for everything, and as long as you are staying active, you’re in a good place 🙂
Congrats on the ambassadorship, which is actually how I found your blog! I’m 99.9% sure I’m going to run that half as my goal race for the spring, I’m just waiting until after my marathon next month to sign up. I heard it’s a GREAT weekend for a girl’s getaway…and who doesn’t love a flat course? 🙂
Welcome! I think I’m going to just enjoy this one! Since it will be my first time actually running in Savannah, I kind of want to soak it all in! It’s going to be fantastic!
Congrats on being a race ambassador! I adore Savannah and would love to race there!
Marcia recently posted…Twin Cities Marathon Race Report
It’s such a fantastic city!
Sometimes just finishing those tough runs is better than an easy run. The mental aspect is so hard. I struggle with it too.
Congratulations on the ambassadorship! I would love to visit (and run) Savannah one day.
Angie recently posted…Let’s Get Physical
Congrats! Now that is a nice way to end the week! Savannah is a beautiful town!
Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…My Healthy Tailgating! Go Gators! Go Packers!
Congrats on the race ambassadorship!! Very cool!! Want to hear something weird? My kids refuse breakfast for dinner, isn’t that the strangest thing!? I love breakfast for dinner! How awesome that the little guy saved up to buy that game system. I’m trying to teach my 6 year old about saving instead of blowing the $$ on something cheap that will probably break the same day. It’s a challenge to convince them!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…MCM Training Recap Week 13
Congrats on your ambassadorship, so exciting! And that’s sweet that your son saved up for a Wii! Great week training and congrats on your 5K!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Tough Mudder Training Week 6 Recap
Congratulations on your partnership with the race! That’s really exciting news.
Sorry to hear you had some tough training sessions this week, but good on you for sticking to them and getting them done!
Ariana recently posted…3 Simple Ways Exercise Can Boost Your Energy
I need to start using my crockpot more then problem is that I get home a few hours after it turns off, so then the food is cold ugh. Good week of training!
Patty @ Reach Your Peak recently posted…Chicago Marathon Training Week 17 – It’s Marathon Week!
Congrats on the ambassadorship! That is pretty awesome. Training can be rough, but you rocked it anyway!! Great job.
Toni recently posted…Pre-register for the “FALL In Love With Running” Virtual 5K
Congrats on the ambassador gig! They’re lucky to have you.
jill conyers recently posted…10 Styles of Yoga